Paul McCartney today led the graduation celebrations at the Fame school he set up in his home city.
Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (Lipa) opened in 1996 after a long campaign by the former Beatle.
Alongside the graduating students, celebrities Ben Elton and Anita Dobson were being made honorary Companions of the Institute.
Other Companions this year included Culture Club producer Steve Levine and Olivier Award-winning stage producer David Pugh.
Paul, aged 65, who remains lead patron of Lipa, gave a speech to the graduates before they were presented with their certificates.
Lipa offers degree qualifications in acting, dance, music and theatre studies.